Diversity and Integration of British Ethnic Minorities

Perceived Discrimination and Political Behavior

“…Historically, various groups have been systematically denied equal standing on issues such as citizenship, immigration and civil liberties, and have been deprived of socioeconomic and legal resources (Canaday 2009; Holdaway 1996; Kim 1999; Ngai 2014; Smith 1993). It is well documented in the UK that racial and ethnic minorities still face systematic barriers to inclusion and fair treatment in housing, education, employment and the criminal justice system (Clancy et al 2001; Heath et al 2013; Mooney and Young 1999; Solomos 1986, 1989). With respect to policing, for instance, minorities in general, but especially people of African-Caribbean and African descent, are not only more likely than whites to be stopped and arrested, but also six times more likely to be imprisoned and to receive longer sentences (Clancy et al 2001; Mooney and Young 1999).…”

“…An examination of the UK’s political context suggests that inequality in both areas has gained considerable political saliency over the last 15 years. The Labour Party has made numerous efforts to recognize and alleviate differential treatment and outcomes in higher education and the labor market (Heath et al 2013). In 2001, its manifesto promised to tackle work discrimination so that ‘ […] all the people can make the most of their talents’ (Heath et al 2013, 101).…”

“…The Labour Party has made numerous efforts to recognize and alleviate differential treatment and outcomes in higher education and the labor market (Heath et al 2013). In 2001, its manifesto promised to tackle work discrimination so that ‘ […] all the people can make the most of their talents’ (Heath et al 2013, 101). Between 2005 and 2010, the Labour Party made specific recommendations to the prime minister to tackle education and promotion inequalities, and the Liberal Democrats proposed combating discrimination with the all-inclusive Equality Act.…”

“…This act was adopted under the Labour government of Tony Blair, and again in 2010 under Gordon Brown. As such, inequalities in higher education and the labor market have become central political issues that major political parties have paid significant attention to and minority groups have recognized and mobilized around (Heath et al 2013). 10 Given this context, the operationalization of both items as PD is reasonable despite shortcomings in question wording.…”

Evaluating the Labour Market Integration of New Immigrants in the UK

“…they tend to be employed in occupations for which they are over-qualified (see also the related literature on the ethnic penalty, e.g. Heath and McMahon, 1997; Berthoud, 2000; Heath and Cheung, 2006; Simpson et al , 2006). The analysis of Table 4, which is similar to Table 2 on employment probability, allows us to address this issue 8…”